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2 December 2010
Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2010 - Wildlife in Somerset Hedges

The results of the Somerset Hedge Group 2010 digital photographic competition have been announced. Prizes were awarded at a Presentation Evening at Fivehead Village Hall last Friday and presented by Dave Cottle, Chairman of the Somerset Bat Group. Attendees were introduced to the Somerset hedge Group by Chairman Pete Grainger, who is also the county Hedge Habitat Champion progressing the Somerset Habitat Action Plan for hedges. He was followed by fascinating presentations on hedges and wildlife by Matthew Marshall, Advisory and Wider Countryside Coordinator for Somerset Wildlife Trust and Helen Jones, Farm Conservation Advisor for Somerset Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

Winner of the Junior class was Henry Mansfield of Henton, near Wells, with his entry titled 'Soaking up the Summer Somerset Sun!'. Overall winner was Nick Stacey of Westonzoyland with a charming photo of a wren taken at Thorney Lakes. Runner-up was Lyn Aldous of Bridgewater with a fascinating shot of a spider and third was David Manners of Nynehead, Wellington, with an atmospheric view of dewy spiders' webs. You can see the winning photographs on the Somerset Hedge Group website at www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk.

A series of entries to the competition have now been made into a 2011 Calendar. At a cost of only £3.00 including p&p, they make excellent Christmas presents, as well as supporting the work of the Hedge Group. Please place your orders now by contacting Joy Williams, SHG Secretary, on Tel: 01823 355663 or Email: jewilliams@somerset.gov.uk

19 August 2010
Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2010 - Wildlife in Somerset Hedges

The Somerset Hedge Group 2010 digital photographic competition, launched in January, is well underway. The theme of the competition is wildlife in Somerset hedges and an excellent example form the 2008 competition, taken by Harold Hurford is shown below. Prize sponsorship is from Somerset County Council, the Blackdown Hills AONB, the Mendip Hills AONB, the Campaign for Rural England, The Woolly Shepherd and Marshall Agroecology Ltd, is available for two classes: Open and Junior (under 15). The competition is for amateur photographers with a maximum of three entries per person. Digital images only. The closing date for entries is 1 October 2010 and the results will be announced and prizes given at a presentation evening on Friday 29 October at Fivehead Village Hall.

For an entry form and competition rules, go to www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk and print off a form. The competition organiser for the Somerset Hedge Group is Dr Jon Marshall: jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk

9 January 2010
Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2010 - Wildlife in Somerset Hedges

The Somerset Hedge Group is launching its 2010 digital photographic competition. The competition was last run in the 2008, when many entries were received and the winners received cash prizes from Lord Skelmersdale and professional Somerset photographer, Pauline Rook, at a presentation evening.

With sponsorship from Somerset County Council, the Blackdown Hills AONB, The Woolly Shepherd and Marshall Agroecology Ltd, this competition will run during the year from now to the beginning of October. Generous prize money of is available for two classes: Open and Junior (under 15). The competition is for amateur photographers with a maximum of three entries per person. Digital images only. The closing date for entries is 1 October 2010.

Get photographing and try to capture the wildlife of hedgerows in Somerset - in beech banks on Exmoor and the Blackdowns, new hedges planted under Environmental Stewardship and ancient parish boundaries - in winter frost, spring green, summer flowers or autumn colours.

For an entry form and competition rules, go to www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk and print off a form. The competition organiser for the Somerset Hedge Group is Dr Jon Marshall: jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk

17 November 2009
Somerset County Landscape and Biodiversity Scheme results for 2008-09
A total of 266 schemes were supported across the County at a cost of £68491. These included planting 6.8 km of new hedge and laying over 9.45 km of hedge. Traditional willow pollarding was done on 336 trees. A summary is available by clicking here. Well done, to all involved!

25 October 2008

Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2008 - Presentation Evening Friday 28 November

The Somerset Hedge Group 2008 digital photographic competition, launched in January, has now been judged. The winners will receive their generous cash prizes at a Presentation Evening on Friday 28th November at Edington Village Hall. The judges included representatives of the sponsors, Somerset County Council, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Marshall Agroecology Ltd., as well as professional photographer Pauline Rook (www.rookphoto.co.uk). Pauline Rook will speak at the Presentation Evening, as well as Jake Chant, Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group. Prizes will be presented by Lord Skelmersdale to the winners in the Junior, Open and Senior classes.

There have been some excellent photographs submitted and a selection of these will be on display at the Presentation Evening, along with exhibits from
Hedgelaying contractors
Exmoor National Park Authority
Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group
Blackdown Hills Hedge
Association Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Competition details are at: www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk. The competition organiser for the Somerset Hedge Group is Dr Jon Marshall. Details of the Presentation Evening are available from Bea Davis, Tel: 01398 322288 or E-mail: bdavis@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

13 October 2008

Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2008 - Somerset Hedges - closing on 3 November

The Somerset Hedge Group 2008 digital photographic competition, launched in January, has a closing date of 3 November 2008. Potential entrants only have another three weeks to prepare photographs.

With sponsorship from Somerset Life magazine, Somerset County Council, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Marshall Agroecology Ltd, this competition has generous prize money of over £450 available for three classes: Open, Junior (under 15) and Senior (over 60). The competition is for amateur photographers with a maximum of three entries per person. Digital images only.

Entries should try to capture the essence of hedgerows in Somerset. There are a host of subjects to choose - beech banks on Exmoor and the Blackdowns, new hedges planted under Environmental Stewardship, ancient parish boundaries, hedge laying and trimming, summer flowers, berries, butterflies or birds.

For an entry form and competition rules, go to www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk and print off a form. The competition organiser for the Somerset Hedge Group is Dr Jon Marshall: jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk or Tel: 01934 844844

21 July 2008

Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2008 - Somerset Hedges

The Somerset Hedge Group 2008 digital photographic competition was launched in January and has a closing date of 3 November 2008. Potential entrants have another three months to prepare photographs.

With sponsorship from Somerset Life magazine, Somerset County Council, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Marshall Agroecology Ltd and FotoStop, Minehead, this competition is running to the beginning of November. Generous prize money of over £450 is available for three classes: Open, Junior (under 15) and Senior (over 60). The competition is for amateur photographers with a maximum of three entries per person. Digital images only.

Entries should try to capture the essence of hedgerows in Somerset. There are a host of subjects to choose - beech banks on Exmoor and the Blackdowns, new hedges planted under Environmental Stewardship, ancient parish boundaries, hedge laying and trimming, summer flowers, berries, butterflies or birds.

For an entry form and competition rules, go to www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk and print off a form. The competition organiser for the Somerset Hedge Group is Dr Jon Marshall: jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk

24 January 2008

Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition 2008 - Somerset Hedges

The Somerset Hedge Group launches its digital photographic competition on Monday 28 January 2008. The competition was last run in the year 2000.

With sponsorship from Somerset Life magazine, Somerset County Council, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Marshall Agroecology Ltd and FotoStop, Minehead, this competition will run during the year from now to the beginning of November. Generous prize money of over £450 is available for three classes: Open, Junior (under 15) and Senior (over 60). The competition is for amateur photographers with a maximum of three entries per person. Digital images only. The closing date for entries is 3 November 2008.

Get photographing and try to capture the essence of the diversity of hedgerows in Somerset - beech banks on Exmoor, the Quantocks and the Blackdowns, new hedges planted under Stewardship and in Environmentally Sensitive Areas, ancient parish boundaries - in winter frost, spring green, summer flowers or autumn colours.

For an entry form and competition rules, go to www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk and print off a form. The competition organiser for the Somerset Hedge Group is Dr Jon Marshall: jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk

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Notes for Editors

The Somerset Hedge Group was formed in 1997 to co-ordinate the efforts of individuals and organisations who are concerned about hedgerows in the old county area of Somerset. The objectives of the group are
o To increase everyone's awareness of the important roles that Somerset hedges play in farming, wildlife conservation, cultural heritage and the landscape
o To provide appropriate advice to all involved with hedge management and the general public
o To undertake work that promotes the study, conservation, restoration and enhancement of hedges in Somerset.

SHG Photographic Competition organiser: Dr Jon Marshall, Marshall Agroecology Ltd, 2 Nut Tree Cottages, Barton, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 1DU. Tel: 01934 844844. E-mail: jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk

SHG Chairman: Pete Grainger, Tel. 07906 724047. E-mail: petegrainger@hotmail.com
SHG Secretary: Bea Davis, Exmoor National Park. Tel: 01398 322288. E-mail: bdavis@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
SHG website: www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk

20 to 28 October 2007
Somerset Hedge Week
Somerset hedge Week is being held from Saturday to Saturday with a series of events across the County. Cl;ick here for a pdf version of the programme.
Contact SHG Chairman Pete Grainger: 01823 421237. Email:petegrainger@hotmail.com

October 2006
Somerset County Landscape and Biodiversity Scheme results
A total of 282 schemes were supported across the County at a cost of £81158. These included planting 9 km of new hedge and laying over 8.7 km of hedge. Traditional willow pollarding was done on 230 trees. A summary is available by clicking here.

26 October 2005
BBC Somerset Sound feature the Somerset Hedge Week events.

11 October 2005
(from Somerset County Council)

County Council pledges for Somerset hedges
Somerset is not only renowned for its green fields but also its rich network of hedgerows and a chance to celebrate the importance of these hedges and field boundaries is on offer during Somerset Hedge Week.

Somerset Hedge Week runs from 22nd-30th October and aims to raise awareness of the importance of hedges and associated wildlife. The Week is organised by Somerset County Council in partnership with District Councils, the Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Farming and Wildlife Group and Exmoor National Park Authority.

During the week there are events to suit people of all ages ranging from hedge management and craft workshops to guided walks and evening talks. A full list of events is available on www.somerset-hedgegroup.org.uk or by contact Vicky Breeze, Countryside Projects Coordinator, on 01823-355663 or e-mail VEBreeze@somerset.gov.uk to obtain a copy of the programme.

Between 1984 and 1990 it is estimated that the total length of British hedgerows declined by 23 per cent Some of the decline is due to direct removal but the main loss of hedgerow is neglect and mismanagement. To help secure the county's hedges the county council operates the Somerset Landscape Scheme which makes funds available to landowners for restoration of hedgerows. Anyone wishing for more information on this scheme is asked to contact Somerset County Council's Rural Group on 01823 355418.

Hazel Prior-Sankey, Somerset County Council's Portfolio Holder with responsible for the Rural Issues, said: "The County Council and its partners are committed to ensuring that Somerset hedges are flourishing. Protection of our hedges and wildlife is important to everyone in the county and Somerset Hedge Week is a fantastic way in which people can find out more about protecting our hedges for the future." ENDS

Further information please contact Jan Hookings, Press Office, telephone 01823-355020.

19 September 2005
Somerset Landscape Scheme 2004-2005 helps plant over 8 km of new hedges
Run by Somerset County Council and supported by all five District Councils, the Somerset Landscape Scheme has grant-aided the planting of 8400m of new native species hedges and 9300 m of hedges have been laid over the last season, bringing them back into good ecological condition. The breakdown of hedge laying and new planting in the District Council areas is as follows:

All the sites are visible to the public from footpaths or roadsides and are located on farms and small holdings. Details of the Somerset Landscape Scheme, which is open for proposals, can be found on the Grants page.

Phil Stone, Somerset County Council. Tel. 01823 355617

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